Synergistic Integration: Belief in Free Will & A Sense of Purpose For College Students

Abstract

Intellectual development, academic success, and creating a positive psychological base are likely outcomes for college students who believe in free will and have a sense of purpose. The current study examined the correlation between these two psychology terms that have existed in isolation; a sense of purpose (purpose exploration and/or purpose commitment) and a belief in free will. It employed statistical correlation methods, and used the Revised Youth Purpose Survey (Bundick et al., 2006), and the Free Will and Determinism Scale (FAD) (Paulhus & Margesson, 1994) scales. The sample of students (N=364; 73.47% female, 26.53% males) ranged in age from 18-31, and were from a Predominately White institution in the Northeast. Results suggested that there is a correlation between purpose commitment and a belief in free will. This will be used as a preliminary study to further explore what possible mechanisms could alter that relationship between the constructs.